Hungarian Public Media Halts Broadcasting After Orbán's Ouster
On July 7, 2026, Kossuth radio and M1 television, both state-run media in Hungary, halted their broadcasts following Prime Minister Péter Magyar's removal of Viktor Orbán in April. Magyar proclaimed this as the conclusion of propaganda, asserting, "Today marks the end of propaganda broadcasts." M1 issued an apology for prior misinformation, while Kossuth radio featured the works of Béla Bartók. MTVA confirmed that M1 would continue airing without news segments. Orbán condemned the suspension, labeling it "another example of Tisza tyranny." Magyar's Tisza party secured a two-thirds supermajority, vowing to transform the regime. The new government assessed public media and changed its leadership. By 2026, Hungary ranked 74th in the press freedom index, with 80% of media under Fidesz control.
Key facts
- Hungarian public media outlets Kossuth radio and M1 television suspended broadcasting on July 7, 2026.
- Prime Minister Péter Magyar hailed the suspension as the end of propaganda broadcasts.
- M1 displayed a message apologizing for lying and promising reform.
- Kossuth radio played classical music by Béla Bartók; both outlets' websites were down.
- MTVA stated M1 will resume broadcasting without news programmes.
- Viktor Orbán called the suspension 'Tisza tyranny' and promoted Hír TV.
- Magyar's Tisza party won a two-thirds supermajority in April 2026 elections.
- Under Orbán, Hungary fell from 23rd to 74th in press freedom index since 2010.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Kossuth radio
- M1
- MTVA
- Hír TV
- Fidesz
- Tisza party
- Reporters Without Borders
- Agence France-Presse
- Reuters
Locations
- Hungary
- Budapest